Page 17 of The Stay


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Ash cleared his throat. “And if I don’t?”

The guard spat on the floor at Ash’s feet. “If you don’t, you’ll be needing to watch your back, pretty boy.”

Ash rolled his eyes. “Original.”

The guard threw his arm over Ash’s shoulder, as if they were pals, as if he were welcoming him. Ash could see Nix watching from the bleachers, sitting a little straighter, eyes on Ash and the guard.

Ash was silently thrilled.

“You see that group over there, the Latinos?” The guard pointed out. Ash looked and saw a group of hardened guys, hanging around very closely together.

“They used to be the biggest gang in the state, the Demonios, I’m sure you’ve heard of them.”

Yes, Ash had heard of them.

“Well, they had some trouble with the Black Coyotes not that long ago-”

“Probably the old group-”

“Shut the fuck up!” The guard hissed.

Ash knew when it was wise to stay quiet. Now was not the time to correct him.

“Yeah, and that group of whites over there?” Ash turned and saw another group of guys.

“Yeah, the Guardians of Purity aren’t your best friends, either. And there’s others I know who would love a crack at you, Ash, if you are representing the Black Coyotes on your stay-”

“Well, I am, so-”

“One of the guys wants to get to know you, he’s got a message from the Black Coyotes-”

“Oh?” Ash perked up. Was it really something from Colt? Colt hadn’t visited for a while, so maybe he was sending him a message through his prison networks, as well. Ash looked about.

The guard smiled. “Sure, that guy over there is Ramon-” The guard pointed to one of the Latino men, one with a tattoo on his face and a mean smile. Ash looked and Ramon was staring at him. Staring at him like a hungry lion. Ash wasn’t sure he was up for playing prey today. He looked on, not betraying his wariness on his face.

“And what does Ramon have to say?” Ash asked.

The guard started walking with him, walking him across the yard toward the Latinos. Ash knew this was dangerous, knew he had to be on his guard here. Even if it was a genuine message, this was not the place to loiter.

“See for yourself,” the guard said and stopped walking.

Ash turned looking back at him. The guard nodded encouragingly, like a father nodding his son to go and run to the swings in the playground. Except Ash was pretty sure a fun ride wasn’t awaiting him. Ash flashed a glance to Nix, who sat up, watching still, on the bleachers.

Ash wasn’t sure yet if Nix could be counted on, should things turn south for Ash. Sure, they were getting closer. Nix was letting Ash in, slowly but surely. But in a situation like this, in front of everyone, Nix would put himself first. Ash was sure of it. Like he had in the mess hall previously. He wouldn’t bat for Ash. They were cellmates who were messing around, that’s all Ash could see Nix as. Ash knew he wanted more. He flexed his jaw, knowing he shouldn’t even be thinking about this, shouldn't be getting distracted with thinking on what more he wanted from Nix. But hell, did Ash dream of Nix striding over the yard to join him, side by side, if Ash needed to use his fists? Yes. Did Ash fantasize about Nix stepping in front of a powerful blow that could have floored Ash and taking it for him? Yes. Did Ash want Nix to promise to be there for him, if Ash should ever need him?

All of these things, Ash wanted from Nix. And what Ash wanted…

He cleared his throat and refocused. The Latino guy eyed him up as Ash approached.

“Hey man.”

“What’s up?” They greeted each other neutrally enough.

“So, message from the Black Coyotes. For you.”

“Oh yeah?” Ash kept his face neutral, kept his stance neutral. Kept himself ever ready but calm on the surface.

Ramon licked his lips and Ash caught a glimpse of a gold tooth in there somewhere. Fuck, that would be hot on someone like Nix. On Ramon, it looked gross. Ash made a mental note to ask Nix to get a gold tooth.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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